FARM STAY

Follonico

Torrita di Siena - Italy

An old Tuscan farmhouse near Montefollonico, shaped by organic farming, quiet hospitality and open views between Montepulciano and the Val d’Orcia.

Countryside

Pet Friendly

Pool

Restaurant

Orchard

Bike Rental

THE SETTING

Follonico is a small boutique agriturismo in southern Tuscany, set in the countryside near Montefollonico, between Montepulciano, Pienza and the Val d’Orcia. It sits in the kind of landscape people often come to Tuscany for: vineyards, olive trees, cypress roads, pale hills and long views that change with the light.

The place is surrounded by gardens, lavender, aromatic plants, roses, jasmine, olive trees, a vegetable garden and animals moving through the grounds. Hens, geese, dogs, cats, horses, and a donkey are part of daily life here, giving the place a very real countryside rhythm.

This is a strong base for travellers who want classic Tuscany without losing the feeling of a place that’s lived in. Montepulciano is close, Pienza is easy to reach, and the Val d’Orcia is just beyond. But the point of Follonico is also to come back early: for the pool, the garden, dinner under the pergola, or simply the quiet.

THE ROOMS

Follonico has four suites and two rooms, each with its own size and character. The style is rustic, but handled with care: exposed beams, old stone, antique furniture, natural materials and soft colours. Nothing feels heavy or themed. The rooms maintain the farmhouse atmosphere while still offering enough space and comfort.

The Blu Notte suite is the largest, with a fireplace, living area, balcony, and views towards the church of San Biagio and Montefollonico. Alba Chiara has direct access to the garden. Rosso Tramonto is bright and open, with views over the countryside, while Verde Intenso is arranged across several levels.

The two rooms, Montepulciano and Montefollonico, are smaller but still comfortable, each around 24 m² and with a private terrace. They work well for guests who plan to spend most of the day outside but still want the full Follonico atmosphere.

THE FOOD

Food is central to Follonico, but in a very natural way. Breakfast is organic and served every morning, with three courses, freshly baked sourdough bread and ingredients from the garden or small local producers. Expect eggs from the free-range hens and geese, homemade jams, honey, olive oil, vegetables, fruit, cakes and simple plates that change with the season.

Dinner is offered three evenings a week — usually Monday, Thursday and Saturday — and should be reserved in advance. There is no à la carte menu. Fabio and Suzanne decide what to cook depending on what the garden, the farm and the season offer. Dinner is served at 8 pm for all guests and is built around simple Tuscan food: garden vegetables, homemade pasta, good olive oil, local wine and dessert.

THE STAY

Life at Follonico naturally happens outdoors. The saltwater infinity pool sits in one of the most scenic parts of the garden, with open views towards Montepulciano and Montefollonico.

The gardens are full of small places to sit, read or have a glass of wine. There are shaded corners, pergolas, old stone walls, planted borders and views across the hills. The atmosphere is deliberately calm. Follonico is not trying to entertain you all day; it gives you the space to slow down properly.

The farm is managed organically, with vineyards, olive groves, a vegetable garden, and animals all playing a role in the farm’s life. Their small vineyard is mostly Sangiovese, with a little Cabernet, and produces wine for the agriturismo. The olive oil is used in the kitchen and served to guests.

AROUND FOLLONICO

Follonico is very well placed for exploring southern Tuscany. Montepulciano is close for wine, Renaissance streets and views over the Val d’Orcia and Valdichiana. Pienza is an easy drive for architecture, pecorino cheese and one of the most beautiful small-town settings in Italy. Montefollonico itself is quieter, with a village rhythm that feels less visited.

The Val d’Orcia is one of the main reasons to stay here, with its rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, thermal baths, farm roads, and villages such as Bagno Vignoni, San Quirico d’Orcia, and Montalcino. It is a landscape made for slow drives, wine stops and long lunches rather than complicated planning.

The area is also strong in food and small-scale production. You can visit local wineries, cheesemakers, olive oil producers, and markets, or follow Fabio and Suzanne’s recommendations for less obvious places nearby. Siena, Arezzo and even Florence can be reached for a longer day trip, but Follonico is best enjoyed when you do not overfill the itinerary.

THE OWNERS

Follonico is the project of Suzanne and Fabio, who left Rome in 2006 and slowly brought this abandoned farmhouse back to life. They opened it in 2009, not as a formal hotel, but as an extension of their own way of living in Tuscany. Their hospitality is warm, direct and personal. Follonico works because it has not been over-designed. It has taste, but also mud, animals, olive trees, garden vegetables and the kind of imperfect details that make a countryside stay feel real.

GOOD TO KNOW

A car is strongly recommended for exploring Montepulciano, Pienza, the Val d’Orcia and nearby wineries. Dinner is usually served on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, with advance reservation. Massages can be arranged on request, bikes are available to rent, and there is an electric vehicle charging station on site. Rates start at €280 per night for a double, with suites priced higher depending on the season and category.